How Digital Formats Are Changing Fiction Writing @ Big Think

http://bigthink.com/ideas/20970

About the Video

This video is from the website BigThink.com. And as you can see, it presents an interview about 'How Digital Formats Are Changing Fiction Writing'. The interviewee in the video is  Bret Easton Ellis, a novelist who talks about his idea on how digital book and ipad change the way people write and read. According to him, since the computer appeared, digital has been a trend and culture for writing or reading. 

Good points

• In my opinion, this video not only provides learners with an idea on the influence of digital formats, but also offers a chance for practicing listening.
• As the video is actually an interview, showing real people's opinions and ideas, to some extent, the material is authentic. 
• A transcription is provided below the video, which helps learners follow more easily.

Suggestions on usage

1. As an 'idea bank', the website 'BigThink.com' stores plenty of great thoughts from various people. Based on this point, this website provides numerous examples for both teachers and learners to watch or read according to their own interests.
2. Considering the video presented here, I think it can be used as a listening task, like 'gap filling' exercises. 
3. As the video is a little bit long, I think it is better to use an extract to listen or watch in class. Teacher can leave the rest part for Ss to watch after class. Since the video is not that interesting and attractive, it would be better, if it is used in the middle of a class.

Limitations

1. Require learners with high level proficiency.
2. The video itself is a little bit long and boring, so it is not suitable for motivating.
3. Internet access and multi-media facilities are required.

Bring Words to Life!

Wordia

The authorative online textual dictionary, 

where you bring words to life through video!

What is it?

Wordia is a like an online dictionary where you can bring words to life through videos. There are mainly three ways that words are expressed through videos: video on YouTube, Games and Blogs. Here, the first two ways will be discussed.

Good features of this tool

1. It is a creative way that vocabularies are explained by people through videos. On one hand, it shows that how people understand the vocabulary from their own understanding. On the other hand, the video also helps learners to notice that how the vocabulary is used by people in real life.
2. In addition to videos, games which can be design by anyone, are also available on this site. While playing the game, learners are provided with various assistance, so that they can not only know the spelling, but also learn about the meaning or context of the word used.
3. People talk about their own understanding about the word they chose through video, which make the material authentic.

How can this tool be used?

• As each video is not that long, so in my opinion, having explained the word to Ss, the teacher can choose one video which also talks about the same vocabulary, to make a comparison between the word's meaning on dictionary and real life.
• As for the games, teacher can spend some minutes demonstrating how to play with it. And then leave it for Ss as optional homework or just entertainment.

Limitations

1. Not all words are commonly used in daily life. Some are very rare and too difficult for Ss with low level of proficiency.
2. Compared with dictionaries, people's opinions are not that reliable, as different people have different ideas on the same word.
3. Games are a little difficult as well, Ss with large vocabularies and high level of language proficiency are required.

Using Videos



Source of this Video

Actually I watched this video form the website 'SchoolTube.com' for the first time. But the video here is eventually from 'YouTube'. Well, whatever, the source is not that important, the key point here, is how can this video be used in a language class?

What the Video is about?

Absolutely the video is a banana singing a very happy song concerning with fruit and health. Just as the title of the song - 'Put a little sunshine in your mouth' indicates, if you want to be more healthy, eat fruit and vegetables regularly and usually.

How can this video be applied in a language class?

• Firstly, this video is not that long, so it can be used as a stimulator or motivator at the beginning of the class. Having shown this video to Ss, the teacher can as them what fruit or vegetables appeared in the song. Easily, there are many answers for Ss to give, such as banana, tomatoes, beans, carrots and so on.
• Secondly, this setting of the song in the video is on a table in kitchen, so in may opinion, some vocabularies related to cooking facilities will be taught in the lesson as well, such as toaster, kitchen paper, mug and plate and so on.
• Thirdly, if the lesson's topic is about fruit, vegetable, cooking or healthy food, this video is a good choice to be used.
• Fourthly, as the rhyme of the song is very cheerful and bright, students may be easily get involved and motivated.
• At last but not least, since the song in the video is not very difficult, teacher can encourage Ss to learn it by playing it again at the end of the class or letting Ss listen to it at home.

Limitation

To be honest, I did not find any drawback of this video. If I have to find out one, I would only say that, the speed of the song is a little quick, and I don't think Ss with low proficiency may not follow. Therefore, if subtitles are provided by the video maker or teacher for Ss, it would be perfect. 

  

In-Class Discussion On WordSift

Collection of Ideas on WordSift

• Great for pre-reading. Get the students to look at sift and guess what text is about Russell at 12:36 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Award, academy, drama, expected, oscar, nomination, nominated, concievably gifty at 12:38 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• We can help students to skim the texts Angela & Joyce at 12:39 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• It can be used to get the gist of the text. Sarah at 12:40 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Students can reconstruct the text according to their imagination Farah at 12:41 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• To help students to grasp the main idea and key words in an authentic text or a reading material Jessie&Jenny at 12:41 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Words into context - having the meaning words all together, Ss can choose the ones they don't understand and look them up in a dictionary Maria-Costas at 12:41 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• It is a good way to teach and learn vocabulary. It is also helpful in listening for students to get general information. Doreen at 12:41 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• With key words, Ss can try guessing the main idea of the text. Then, Ss can discuss and form meaningful sentences Vanessa and Ray at 12:41 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Thriller, comedienne, boosted, considered, bale, ballet, nod, globe, reveal, support gifty at 12:41 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Yo this is Gifty & Sam gifty at 12:42 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Students can see how words work in different sentences Farah at 12:42 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• We can use the squish cloud as brainstomer Angela & Joyce at 12:42 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Highlighting the key words in a text enable students to discover the link between differen words and use them into practice Jessie&Jenny at 12:42 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Wonderful to practice reading skills such as scanning the key words and guessing the main idea. Leah at 12:43 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Bale,swan, actress, likely. This is ~Gifty again! gifty at 12:44 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• It is a good way to develop Ss' thinking and increase their vocabulary. Echo&.Tiantian at 12:44 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Before clicking on a word, students could try and find the word in the text and then check it with their partner by actually clicking on it Maria-Costas at 12:44 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Some useful words might be missed as synonyms may be used & important info may only be mentioned once Mustafa at 12:44 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• We can instruct Ss to draw tree typology Angela & Joyce at 12:44 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Wordsift shows the word frequency which is the most effective way to get the gist of a text. Carina at 12:44 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Good to guess what the main text is about before students read the article Vent Good to guess what the main text is about before students read the article at 12:44 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• A great way to get the gist of the text.As an activity we could ask students to write a text using these words & compare it to the original George at 12:44 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Some words are accompanied by pictures or videos to demonstrate the meaning of it. Farah at 12:45 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• We can do this as a wrap up exercise to ask students what they have learnt for the day. gifty at 12:45 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• The Ss can learn vocabulary in different meaningful context Angela & Joyce at 12:46 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• It could help learners to know exactly what kind of words they can use in different contexts. Jill & Khadiga at 12:46 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Students can have a look at the text guessing the most common words. Then, with the teacher they use wordsift to compare their answers Maria-Costas at 12:46 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• We think it is a good way to learn new words especially how words are used in context. It is also very useful for sharing ideas with visual gifty at 12:46 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web
• Enable students to understand how the main idea of the text is orgainzed and developed based on the key words Jessie&Jenny at 12:47 PM, 25 Jan 2011 via web

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Learn English Through Songs

http://www.lyricstraining.com/

What is it?

Lyrics Training is an easy and fun method to learn and improve your foreign languages skills, such as learning English through the music and lyrics of your favourite songs. I was deeply suprised and attracted by this amazing tools when I learnt about it for the first time, because this tool makes my dream realized. That is learning English through songs!

Benefits of using this tool in language learning?

1. One of the outstanding features of this tool is that it can motivate the learners to the most extent. When listening to the songs, especially those popular and beautiful ones, learners many feel enjoyable when they watching their favourite singers singing on vedio. And in order to learn about the songs, they may remember the lyrics. Then, in turn, this helps learners learn many vocabularies and pupolar expressions in songs, which they can also apply in their lives.
2. In most situations, language learning might be boring, especially when learners memorizing vocabularies and learning grammars. However, this tool provides learners with a more interesting and attracting environment to learn English. Learner may enjoy the process of learning a foreign language. What is more, you can learn to sing a classic or popular song by using this tool.
3. Each song offers different levels (eg. Easy, Medium and Hard) for learners to practice according to their proficiency.

How can this tool be used in language teaching?

• I would like to apply this tool at the end of the class. That is using it as a wrap up exercise.
• Firstly, a song with related topic or vocabulary will be played for the first time, letting Ss have a general idea about the song.
• Next, teacher will fill in the absent lyrics with Ss together, aiming at showing Ss how to use this tool.
• In the next stage, teacher chose one song for Ss to practice independ in pairs or independently if available.
• In case there is little time left in class, this tool can be introducded to Ss and leave it as a 'homework' for Ss to practice at home.
• At the beginning of the next lesson, teacher may spare some time, letting Ss share their feeling and experience of using this tool. (I am sure nobody will feel disappointed. =)) 

Some Limitations

• While in my opinion, this tool is nearly 'perfect', it still has some drawbacks. One is it can not be employed in every country, because most vedios are from YouTube which is blocked in some countries, such as China.
• The other weakness is that this tool is not always free, if people do not sign up for a account ASAP, they may be charged in the future.
• Many songs may include 'dirty words' which is not suitable for Ss to learn. 

A Wonderful Website For Practicing Listening



http://www.listen-and-write.com/



What is it?

Listen-and-Write.com is an amazing and free website which provides you with great opportunities to practice and improve your listening skills while you are hearing about the news. One of its surprising features is that it not only designs different levels of listening practice, but also offers different languages to practice, such as English, French, Spanish and German and so on. Generally speaking, Listen-and-Write.com is a practical website which can be adapted into language classes.

Why the tool is good for language learning?

• As mentioned previously, this website contains numerous news for learners to listen. That means, the materials in this website is both adequate and authentic.
• The news included are labeled with different levels, which learners can choose according to their own abilities.
• Not only the texts, but also the videos on YouTube are available for language learners to practice, which considers the visual learners, as well as adds entertainments to some extent.
• Before practicing listening, learners have choices, either listening to the entire text first, or listening to the sentence by sentence.
• In the process of listening, I think the amazing phenomenon is that it can automatically move to the next sentence once the current one is completely written. And the sentence learners are listening to will be repeated until they finish typing the whole sentence.
• Having typed the entire sentence, an instant feedback (eg. 'Good') will be shown on the screen.

How might the tool be used in language teaching?

• I suggest that this tool might be used as a task in the class or as a homework for students to do at home.
• For the in-class task, I would like to suggest pair works. At the beginning of the class, teacher shows students how to use this tool. Then, divide students into pairs, and each pair share one computer. Next, the teacher choose one text and let the students start listening and writing in pairs. After a certain time, the fastest pair who finish the task will be the champion and perhaps, rewards (eg. chocolate, sweets or a story book) could be prepared for them.
• For the homework, teacher could let students practice one text at home independently. Besides, summarize the main idea of the text, and prepare to discuss about it in the next class.

Limitations

• As the tool is only practical and meaningful in the class with computers, for those without computers, this tool may not be applied.
• Difficult to achieve in big classes.
• The task may require students with at least intermediate level of language proficiency, as some vocabularies in the news might not be very familiar to students.
• If the teacher fails in selecting the suitable texts for students, neither the task nor the class will make sense.
• One 'big' problem may be that, for listening some whole texts, learners have to sign up a account.